In The Sweet By And By

Well, it’s about time we see some cooler weather. This morning brought with it a little chill in the air and it lasted for the biggest part of the day. But it looks like it may be short term again. I also hear that the drought we are experiencing is probably going to last a while longer. I hear everyone talking about how their grass has quit growing or even has died as a result of the lack of water not cooler weather. Anyway, I had to work again today (which makes three Saturdays in a row) and I really enjoyed the milder temperature. Wish it would linger a while.

As I’ve thought about what hymn history to share this week I happened to hear an old one on the radio and it has stuck with me. As I listened to the music and words of “In The Sweet By And By” many wonderful memories began to surface of some of the people who have already gone to be with the Lord. Those I loved so very much and who had such a tremendous impact on my life. A feeling of emptiness swept across my heart and I had a longing to see them. I think it was God’s way of reminding me that He made it possible for me to see my loved ones again. For those who have put their faith and trust in Him will be reunited in the very place that God has prepared for us. Thank you Father!

The following article gives a brief history of how this hymn came into being. It surely has encouraged many folks through the years. And it also encourages me. I hope it does the same for you.

The Story Behind…In The Sweet By And BySubmitted by Author Unknown on Wed, 04/02/2008 – 15:36

The Story Behind…In The Sweet By And By

This gospel song, famed for its chorus,

In the sweet by and byWe shall meet on that beautiful shore,

is a genuine product of the Midwest United States. It jumped into life as the result of an impromptu conversation between Samuel Fillmore Bennett (1836-1898) and his musician friend, Joseph P. Webster (1819-1875) in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, in the years of the gospel song makers in the mid-nineteenth century.

Webster came into Bennett’s office one day looking depressed. When Bennett asked him what was the matter, he replied that “I will be all right by and by.” That phrase leaped into life for Bennett. “The sweet by and by,” he mused. “That would make a good hymn.” Then and there he started to write the verse:

There’s a land that is fairer than day,And by faith we can see it afar;For the Father waits over the way,To prepare us a dwelling-place there.

Webster caught his friend’s enthusiasm, hummed out a melody, and bringing in a friend with his violin the three men soon were singing the song.

The two additional stanzas are:

We shall sing on that beautiful shoreThe melodious songs of the blest,And our spirits shall sorrow no more,Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

To our bountiful Father above,We will offer our tribute of praise,For the glorious gift of His love,And the blessings that hallow our days.

The Salvation Army has popularized the hymn and it is often sung at Army funeral services.

I hope you are enjoying this series. If you have any suggestions for any other topics for a series, I would love to hear about them. Thanks to all of you who continue to read the posts and especially those who choose to comment. God bless each of you!